A former psychiatrist, Mark Zweifach has developed an alternate career in the theatre, writing, directing, and acting in several seasons of the San Diego International Fringe Festival. Mark Zweifach has also taken writing workshops at Second City Hollywood.
Second City Hollywood’s writing classes emphasize the basics of comedy writing with an eye toward developing pilots for television. Its Introduction to Comedy Writing course teaches principles of making sketches or crafting stories in a low-key atmosphere. Writers practice the Second City technique of “yes and” statements to develop material.
Also in the curriculum is a pair of collaborative classes on creating a pilot pitch for a new situation comedy. Students learn how to present their ideas to television executives and discover what’s involved in finding out what the market wants. They also develop their skills in story elements and character development. The two classes are similar; one lasts seven weeks, and a more intensive version takes place over five days.
